Coding Considerations

The following considerations apply to coding arithmetic expressions:

An arithmetic expression must begin with a left parenthesis, a unary operator, or an operand.
An arithmetic expression must end with a right parenthesis or an operand.
An arithmetic expression does not require a binary operation.
Each left parenthesis must be followed later in the expression by a corresponding right parenthesis.
Operands and binary operators must be separated by at least one space from the operand or operator that follows. Parentheses do not require surrounding spaces.
Operands can be followed by a right parenthesis, any binary operator, or can be the end of the expression.
Any binary operator can be followed by an operand, a unary operator, or a left parenthesis.
A unary operator can be followed by an operand or a left parenthesis.
A left parenthesis can be followed by an operand, a unary operator, or another left parenthesis.
A right parenthesis can be followed by any binary operator, another right parenthesis, or can be the end of the expression.